By Barbara Kumah
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for multiple criminal offences including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, revealed in a post on X that the investigation is being carried out by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with asset recovery processes also underway to prevent the dissipation of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Chairman Wontumi was picked up by EOCO officials late Tuesday from the Police CID headquarters and was detained overnight. He was granted bail on Wednesday, May 29, to the tune of GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified. However, as of Wednesday evening, he remained in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions.
According to Dr Srem-Sai, a second strand of investigation is ongoing, linked to a larger international organised crime scheme. EOCO is reportedly collaborating with international law enforcement agencies in this matter.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed that his client was interrogated on charges of causing financial loss to the state and had fallen ill during the lengthy questioning session.
Earlier, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had invited Mr Boasiako on Tuesday over allegations of illegal mining. He had already been cautioned on Monday, May 26, for allegedly mining without a licence. Following his second appearance at the CID headquarters, he was arrested by EOCO officials and taken to their offices for further questioning.
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest sparked widespread protests from his supporters, including NPP party executives, who gathered at the EOCO premises to demand his release.
On Wednesday, the Minority Caucus in Parliament also joined the demonstrations, walking out of the chamber and proceeding to EOCO’s office to call for his immediate release.
In a press briefing, the Minority alleged that the bail conditions were deliberately harsh to ensure the Chairman’s continued detention, describing the situation as a violation of his fundamental human rights.
